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Member Questions 4/4/26

Robert CabralIACP Hall of Fame trainer2 min readApril 4, 2026

D

I asked you before about young Malinois growling. He does it less now, but still growls when he’s in his crate.

I sent him to crate , hadn’t closed it yet, and if I walked within 8′ he started low rumble, growl.

I called him out of it, had him sit and then down. He was sweet and gentle and happy.

I sent him back to crate and husband started in that direction to close window, the growling was pretty intense and he barked .

Called him out and reset him with sit and down. He was fine then, but when back in crate he started growling if we were near. He gets at least 2 hours or training work/d

Trains several times a Day w both adults . He goes to a trainer biweekly . ( he was great at trainer until in crate in SUV and was growling then.

He is a great dog except for this crate aggression. He doesnt mind going in , and we dont out any toys or food in it. Should we incorporate e collar to discourage this behavior, or what do you suggest?

Jim

Hi Robert. My elderly neighbour was struggling with her rescue dog as it kept lunging at other dogs and occasionally people (women of a certain age and people dressed in black, mainly). Rather than give her up, she agreed to let me train her dog and I’ve had success focusing on engagement training which I learned from your shelter dog course. I only get an hour’s walk with her once a week. Is there anything else I should focus on in this time? Thank you.

Lois H

After the LIVE I’m  purchasing the Dogtra Smart NoBark collar. It has various features with quite a few settings that I am confused about.

I’d appreciate any input you may have on settings. Maggie barks immediately when she goes into the backyard. I’m sure that is a warning. It stops in a minute or two. She barks at dogs and Tony Hawk (no clue why) on television. Always at the doorbell but stops as soon as she sees the human. (I’m still working on this). In the car it’s dogs, the Fed Ex trucks, and school buses. Hopefully the Dogtra will help.

Robert Cabral with a shelter dog
About the author

Robert Cabral

Robert Cabral has been training dogs professionally for over 20 years. He started in shelters, working with dogs nobody else wanted, and was inducted into the IACP International Hall of Fame for his work in shelter advocacy and canine rehabilitation.

20+Years training
351KYouTube subscribers
2025IACP Hall of Fame

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